Ayumi Ishida’s Untold Struggles with Shoken’s Divorce Papers and Memories of Tora-san

She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism

Ishida Ayumi, known for hit songs like “Blue Light Yokohama” and “Anata Nara Dousuru”, and an award-winning actress who received the Blue Ribbon Award and Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in “Kataku no Hito”, has passed away at the age of 76.

With her unique singing voice and exceptional acting talent, she remained a shining presence in the entertainment industry for decades. However, on March 11, she passed away due to hypothyroidism.

According to a doctor familiar with the condition:

“Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone levels drop. It can lead to anemia, low body temperature, and even heart failure, but with proper treatment, one can lead a normal life just like a healthy person. It does not necessarily shorten lifespan.”

The doctor also speculated,

“Perhaps the disease progressed without her realizing it.”

I first met Ishida-san on the set of the movie Otoko wa Tsuraiyo, during filming at Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The Otoko wa Tsuraiyo series holds a special place in my heart.

When I was working as a publicity agent for Shochiku, I was in charge of promoting the film. Later, as a journalist for Shukan Josei, I visited many filming locations for feature articles.

Then, when I became an entertainment reporter, the first Otoko wa Tsuraiyo film I covered featured Ishida-san as the madonna (leading lady). That was Otoko wa Tsuraiyo: Torajirou Ajisai no Koi. She had an unmistakable radiance in her smile, and her gentle words left a lasting impression on me.

Before that, most of my interviews with her had focused on her tumultuous marriage to Shōken—Hagiwara Kenichi.